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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.